Breed-Specific Dog Rescues: Truly For the Love of the Breed
Shelters and Humane Societys do receive purebred dogs/puppies and many will reach out to breed specific rescues in order to save them. Intakes come from a variety of sources. Some are survivors of puppy mills. Some are owner surrenders. Some are breeder surrenders...the people who are in business "for the love of the breed".
Breed specific rescues know their dogs and can easily determine for what home environment their breed is best suited. Rescuers are considered canine matchmakers, so, let's talk about love....
Great Pyrenees- Who doesn't love a big white fluffy dog? Born to protect sheep in the French mountains, these dogs now enjoy families as their flocks. Being affectionate and patient is in their nature as well as being strong-willed and smart. This breed is considered large and usually weigh between 80-100 pounds with a life expectancy of 10 years. Great Pyrenees dogs do well with a job to do and a place to roam. For those who have two-legged little lambs running around, the Great Pyrenees would just love to herd them for you!
Chihuahua- If you love pint-sized personalities, then you've just found "the one"! The Chihuahua made it's way to the United States via Mexico and is one of the most popular breeds today. A perfect companion for apartment dwellers and low energy households. "Chi's" are considered toy-sized typically weighing around 4-6 pounds with a life expectancy of 15 years or more! These little guys have bigger hearts than bodies. Yes, girls, this is one male who has no issues with commitment or long term relationships. And, for you guys out there, the line "Haven't I seen you somewhere before?" may actually work on one of these cuties, Chihuahuas certainly aren't hard to pick up!
Weimaraner- These dogs LOVE their humans! Their sporting instinct and their desire for companionship are legacies from the German ancestors which make them ideal for an active person with a little extra time. This breed has a typical life expectancy of 10-12 years and usually weigh between 50 to 70 pounds. "Weims" have unique personalities being both rugged and sensitive. So, if you enjoy hiking the great outdoors by day and cuddling on the couch by night, then you've just found your love connection~the Weimaraner.
For some reason, we have "Designer Dogs"--the purebred's cousin. Puggles, labradoodles, yorki-poos and a plethora of others all await good homes after being rescued. The smaller breed combos are a gold mine for puppy millers. Animal authorities reach out to rescues and the general public after mills are raided. If you're a commitment phob, try fostering an animal the next time you hear about a raid in your area. These survivors just need a safe place to rest their weary bodies until permanent placement is found. Expenses associated with fostering are usually covered by the rescue group involved. However, out-of-pocket costs may be tax-deductible so check with your accountant before volunteering if your heart is bigger than your wallet.
Whether you love big and fluffy or short and stout, always remember to make "rescued" your favorite breed.
